Election Returns

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – When Bob O’Connor died just months after taking office, thousands flooded the City County Building where his body was lying in state.

That was in 2006.

Unfortunately, Pittsburghers had gone through the same grief 18 years earlier, when another popular mayor, Richard Caliguiri died from a rare disease. It was perhaps the biggest funeral service ever held in Pittsburgh.

For Sophie Masloff, it will be a much more low-key service at the Temple Sinai in Squirrel Hill. Even so, they’re planning for a touching tribute.

“The words that we speak will touch people of all faiths,” said Rabbi Ronald Symons. “My sense is that the words of eulogy will inspire us to live our lives as better citizens.”

Temple Sinai is expecting about 600 people and they’re not sure who’s coming. Dignitaries from across the state are invited. Mayor Peduto is scheduled to speak. This doesn’t mean that Masloff wasn’t adored as mayor.

She was – it’s just that she’s been out of office for 20 years. And there’s another reason, in the Jewish faith, funerals come quick.

“We try to celebrate and bury the departed within about 48 to 72 hours,” said Symons.

The service will take place at the temple Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. It’s located in the 5500-block of Forbes Avenue. The public is invited, but is asked to be there and seated by 10:45 a.m.